I'm convinced that the world is divided into two factions: those who have never heard of Richard Thompson, and those whose admiration for his talents borders on worship. And so it should.

Back in 1982 I was assigned to photograph Richard and Linda as they were touring to promote their album SHOOT OUT THE LIGHTS, a unbelievably emotional and sad and beautiful record which deservedly won every critics poll that year for album of the year. He is an amazing guitarist (formerly of Fairport Convention); she has a voice that's otherwordly, I simply love it. They were going through a very painful divorce when they were on tour, so the session was a very intense experience for all involved. You can see it in the photos.

Years later, after I started to paint, I was asked by his record label to do the cover of his album RUMOR AND SIGH (as well as the inside photos) - they had no idea I'd worked with him before. But through that next encounter we became acquainted, and I'm proud to count Richard and his incredible wife of 20 years, Nancy, as friends.

Richard Thompson is one of my all time favorites. His a amazing guitarist,singer & songwriter. Great live shows. Rumor and Sigh is also one of my favorites. That's were I saw your art! Good post Laura.

Laura LevineJanuary 29, 2007

Thanks, Mike. You're right about his live shows - I should mention that he is also VERY funny, and his between-song patter is not to be missed.

Mike MoranJanuary 29, 2007

Funny is not the word... his hilarious. I saw him perform with Roger McGuinn once in a acoustic solo show.

Zina SaundersJanuary 29, 2007

I'm in the "Never Heard of Him" faction, but your beautiful photo and painting have inspired me to search him out and listen.

ragJanuary 29, 2007

Great story Laura. Must have meant a lot to you both when you did this cover.

lauraJanuary 29, 2007

To be honest, I don't think he remembered me from the session ten years earlier....! I chalk it up to my lucky stars that the AD at the label thought to hire me for the cover.

Marc BurckhardtJanuary 29, 2007

In addition to all the wonderful albums he recorded, he did the soundtrack for "Grizzly Man" - one of the best film scores ever. Another great one, Laura. So cool that you know them personally.

Laura LevineJanuary 29, 2007

Thanks, Rob. Actually, my illustration for the back cover of the album depicts that song. I'll try to dig it up and scan it.
For the photo session I did for the gatefold of the CD, we built a set on a Hollywood soundstage, and we actually included a 1952 Vincent Black Lightning (that's a motorcycle, btw) as a prop in the set.
For the uninitiated (i.e. Zina, et. al.) I'd recommend any tracks off SHOOT OUT THE LIGHTS. Dim the lights, pour yourself a cocktail and prepare to cry.

Shoot out the lights was my intro to him. Don Besom at Biz Week turned me on to it. Great photo Laura.

Hanoch PivenJanuary 29, 2007

A couple of years before having any idea of your existence Laura (imagine that), in the summer of 1991, I remember a trip to Baja California on my own, staying in a Ranch in the middle of nowhere constantly listening to that tape of Richard Thompson on my brand new walkman and constantly looking at the cover. So your work ever since brings back Baja memories to me.